Are you struggling to display vulnerability as a leader? Are circumstances making it harder for you or have you always been that way? The thought of it feeling completely alien?
Either way, I encourage you to stop and think and read Brene Brown’s work! Through her research and books, she has encouraged us to see that vulnerability is a strength in leaders, not a weakness.
If you haven’t read her work, you can find out more information in the following article (Armored Leadership vs Daring Leadership – Greater Phoenix In Business Magazine (inbusinessphx.com)) or if you prefer podcast/video (Brené on Armored versus Daring Leadership … – Brené Brown (brenebrown.com)).
She talks about armoured and daring leaders and the difference between the two:
Armoured leaders are those who:
- drive perfectionism and foster fear;
- concentrate on knowing the answers and insist on being right;
- protect themselves with cynicism and criticism;
- reward exhaustion as a status symbol;
- promote a culture of “fitting in,” which, sadly, tolerates discrimination.
Daring leaders don’t put on armour, they choose to:
- model clarity, kindness and hope;
- encourage healthy striving, empathy and self-compassion’
- not displaying a need to be right, they seek to learn and acquire the skills to get it right.
- acknowledge and name collective fear and uncertainty;
- cultivate a shared purpose and a culture of belonging, inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
Ultimately daring leadership requires vulnerability, defined as risk, uncertainty and emotional exposure. There are a couple of lovely quotes:
“The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.”
“Courage is contagious and we all have the capacity to learn it and practice it. There is no courage without vulnerability. By leaving my armour on the ground, I know I will show up with heart and create the opportunity to serve those I lead.”
With that in mind, take time out to think:
- Which style of leadership have you seen recently and what part have you played in that?
- We are all leading through uncertain times where we can’t predict or control the outcome – how comfortable do you feel in being courageous and leaving your armour on the ground?
- What would it take for you to feel able to display more vulnerability?
As leaders, we can show our people that we are role modelling the changes that all of us want to see. Let’s be better and be the change – contact [email protected] if you would like help to do so.
For more articles, encouraging you to think and be the change – visit here.